Stress is now the number one cause of long-term sickness absence in the UK, according to the recent Absence Management survey by the CIPD.
It has overtaken musculoskeletal problems and acute conditions, such as cancer and heart attacks, with almost 40 per cent of businesses questioned reporting a rise in stress-related absence.
Increased workloads and job uncertainty are thought to have contributed to this rise.
Stress is a term commonly used in everyday conversation. Despite its common usage, the term, itself, is actually difficult to define. Stress, itself, is not a medical condition. However, stress occurs when people are subject to pressure beyond their ability to cope. It can also arise when an individual feels unchallenged and underutilised. It is well recognised that at high levels over a period of time, stress can lead to ill health.
Tackling stress can improve staff performance and productivity, staff retention, attendance levels, and organisational image and reputation.
While there is no legislation specifically covering stress, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a duty on employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees at work. In addition, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 places a duty on employers to assess risks to health and take reasonable action to make sure risks to health do not occur.
The Health and Safety Executive have produced various resources to help address this issue. These can be found at:
A key part of assessing, addressing and resolving work related stress depends on performing stress risk assessments.
PMI Health Group’s team of Specialist Occupational Physicians can assist your organisation by
Assessing individuals who report difficulties with stress and providing robust Occupational Health advice following these assessments.